Apparatus and Method for Enlarging an Incision

ABSTRACT

A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/991,502, filed May 29, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/382,192, filed Dec. 16, 2016, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,980,714 on May 29, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/832,592, filed Aug.21, 2015, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,579,095 on Feb. 28, 2017,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/250,063, filed Apr. 10, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,113,852on Aug. 25, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/415,673, filed Mar. 8, 2012, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,702,600 on Apr. 22, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/450,560, filed Mar. 8, 2011, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for providing access to asurgical site and, more particularly, to a system and method forretracting tissue during a surgical procedure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advancing blades of a surgical retractor through an incision and intoposition adjacent a surgical site involves overcoming resistance frommuscles, tendons, and other tissues within the body. When the surgicalretractor is used to access a patient's spine from the side of thepatient, known as lateral approach surgery, the distance to thepatient's spine is greater than if the spine were accessed through thepatient's back, known as posterior approach surgery. The increaseddistance to the spine during lateral approach surgery means overcoming agreater amount of resistance from muscles, tendons, and other tissues inorder to advance the retractor blades to the surgical site than in aposterior approach surgery.

Another difficulty with lateral approach surgery is that the tissuessurrounding the retractor blades tightly envelop and deflect the bladesas the blades are slid along a dilator toward the surgical site. Theincreased distance to the spine for lateral approach surgery means thatthe retractor blades must be longer in order to retract tissues adjacentthe surgical site. Like cantilever beams, the longer retractor bladesused for lateral approach surgery are subjected to forces from thesurrounding tissues that deflect the blades a greater amount than if theblades were shorter blades typically used for posterior approachsurgery. Deflection of the long retractor blades allows the tissuesenveloping the blades to lodge between the blades and the dilator aswell as creep into gaps between the blades. The retractor blades mayhave to be removed and re-inserted into the patient to remove tissuescaught between the blades and the dilator or caught in gaps between theblades, which complicates the surgical procedure.

For longer length blades, such as the 80 mm-180 mm blades typically usedfor lateral approach surgery, small manufacturing variations instraightness along the blades are magnified by the length of the blades.These variations are problematic, as even a slight curvature may causethe tip of a longer blade to lift up from the dilator and trap tissue asthe blade is advanced toward the surgical site. Variations in bladestraightness may also cause the tips of the retractor blades to beunevenly spaced around the dilator and permit tissue creep between theretractor blades. These situations increase the difficulty of advancingthe retractor blades toward the surgical site and complicate the processof establishing a working channel to the spine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for enlarging anincision that limits tissue creep as tissue engaging members areadvanced into an incision and substantially improves the ease with whicha surgeon may establish a working channel within a patient. Morespecifically, the method involves engaging slide connections between aplurality of tissue engaging members and a guide dilator which restrictsseparation of the tissue engaging members and accompanying tissue creeptherebetween. Engaging slide connections between the tissue engagingmembers and the guide dilator also limits tissues lodging between thetissue engaging members and the guide dilator by resisting separation ofthe tissue engaging members from the guide dilator. Further, the methodinvolves advancing a leading end portion of the guide dilator into theincision to enlarge the incision to an initial opening and advancingdistal end portions of the tissue engaging members connected to theguide dilator into the incision to enlarge the initial opening to alarger, intermediate-sized opening. In this manner, the leading endportion of the guide dilator and the distal end portions of the tissueengaging members sequentially dilate the incision and minimize strain ontissues surrounding the incision. In one approach, the method furthercomprises withdrawing the leading end portion of the guide dilator fromthe incision while restricting movement of the plurality of the tissueengaging members. This disengages the slide connections between theplurality of tissue engaging members and the guide dilator withouthaving to individually disconnect the tissue engaging members or utilizeanother tool to disconnect the tissue engaging members from the guidedilator. Accordingly, the present method provides an easier and fasterapproach for advancing tissue engaging members into position adjacent asurgical site while limiting interference from bodily tissues.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for insertingtissue engaging members into an incision that limits tissue creep evenif the tissue engaging members are longer and have varying degrees ofstraightness. The method includes fixing tip portions of the tissueengaging members in a predetermined insertion configuration andadvancing the tip portions into an incision. This way, any variation inthe straightness of one or more of the tissue engaging members iscompensated for by manipulating the associated tip portion(s) into thepredetermined insertion configuration before the tip portions areadvanced into the incision. The method further comprises restrictingmovement of the tip portions of the tissue engaging members away fromthe insertion configuration. In this manner, the tip portions may beheld in the insertion configuration against resistance from bodilytissues as the tip portions are advanced within the patient. In oneapproach, fixing the tip portions of the plurality of tissue engagingmembers comprises engaging slide connections between the tissue engagingmembers and a guide dilator. The slide connections permit a surgeon torapidly connect the tissue engaging members to the guide dilator andinsert the guide dilator and tissue engaging members into the incisionwithout muscle, tendons, or other tissues shifting the tip portions ofthe tissue engaging members from the predetermined insertionconfiguration.

A guide dilator system is also provided including an elongate body, aplurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between theelongate body and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In thismanner, the tissue engaging members can be easily engaged with theelongate body, advanced into an incision, and disengaged from theelongate body adjacent a surgical site. In one form, the slideconnections comprise axially extending surfaces of each slide connectionthat extend a majority of a predetermined length of the respectivetissue engaging members with the tissue engaging members in an operativeposition. In this manner, the slide connections provide a firmengagement between the tissue engaging members and the elongate bodywhen the tissue engaging members are in an operative position on andconnected to the elongate body.

The elongate body and the tissue engaging members may further includestop portions configured to abut and limit sliding of the tissueengaging members along the elongate body in a predetermined direction.For example, the predetermined direction can be from a leading endportion of the elongate body toward a trailing end portion of theelongate body. As the leading end portion of the elongate body isadvanced toward the surgical site, the stop portions of the elongatebody and the tissue engaging members abut and keep the tissue engagingmembers from sliding off of the elongate body as the surrounding tissuesresist movement of the elongate body and the tissue engaging memberswithin the patient. Once the tissue engaging members are positionedadjacent a surgical site, the elongate body is withdrawn from theincision which slides the tissue engaging members off of the elongatebody. In this manner, the guide dilator system can simplify andaccelerate the process of advancing the tissue engaging members intoposition adjacent a surgical site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guide dilator and retractor blades inaccordance with one form of the present invention showing one of theretractor blades slid off of the guide dilator;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, end view of the guide dilator of FIG. 1 with allof the retractor blades connected to the guide dilator showing an outerprofile of the retractor blades;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the guide dilator of FIG. 1 showingmounting rails of the guide dilator for slidably engaging in slots ofthe retractor blades of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the guide dilator taken across line3A-3A in FIG. 3 showing flanges of the mounting rails which engagecooperating slots on the retractor blades;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the mounting rails ofthe guide dilator of FIG. 1 showing resilient members of the mountingrails;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the retractor blades of FIG. 1showing a slot of the blade for slidably receiving a mounting rail ofthe guide dilator and a cannula disposed at the distal end of theretractor blade;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken across the line 5A-5A in FIG. 5A

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another one of the retractor blades ofFIG. 1 showing a slot of the blade for slidably receiving a mountingrail of the guide dilator, the retractor blade of FIG. 6 lacking acannula similar to the retractor blade of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a leading end of a guidedilator in accordance with another form of the present invention showingmounting rails of the guide dilator;

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view taken across line 7A-7A in FIG. 7showing a resilient member of one of the mounting rails of the guidedilator of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 7A showing theresilient member deflected downward and engaged with a retractor bladeconnected to the mounting rail;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a guide dilator and retractor blades inaccordance with another form of the present invention showing one of theretractor blades slid off of the guide dilator;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, end view of the guide dilator of FIG. 8 with bothretractor blades connected to the guide dilator showing an outer profileof the retractor blades;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one of the retractor blades of FIG. 8showing a slot of the blade for slidably receiving a mounting rail ofthe guide dilator;

FIGS. 11-24 illustrate an exemplary method of enlarging an incisionduring a lateral approach surgery using the guide dilator and retractorblades of FIG. 8;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with one formof the present invention showing one of the sliders of the retractor ina retracted, pivoted position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a wedge lock of a slider of theretractor of FIG. 25 showing the wedge lock removed from the slider;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a slider inner member of the retractorof FIG. 25 showing the inner member removed from the retractor;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged, perspective view of a slider and portions of aratchet mechanism of the retractor of FIG. 25 showing the slider and theratchet mechanism portions removed from the retractor;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged, perspective view of a slider of the retractor ofFIG. 25 showing an inner member of the slider having its rear endportion pivoted upward;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with anotherform of the present invention showing retractor blades connected tosliders which are retracted and pivoted;

FIG. 31 is an elevational view of a retractor blade docking anchorshowing a pointed tip of the docking anchor for penetrating anintervertebral disc;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a light source showing a flexible fiberoptic cable;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with anotherform of the present invention showing an elevated portion of theretractor frame;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 33 showing bladesmounted on the retractor and disposed adjacent an intervertebral discbetween L4 and L5 vertebrae;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a pin dilator that may be used with theguide dilators of FIGS. 1, 7, and 8 in place of a separate guide wireand a first dilator;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with anotherform of the present invention that includes locking mechanisms forlocking sliders of the retractor;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 36 showingsliders and attached retractor blades of the retractor in a retractedconfiguration which generally forms a working channel between theblades;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 36 showing one ofthe sliders in a beyond center position where the retractor bladeconnected to the slider has been moved radially inward to a point beyonda center of the working channel;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the slider shown in the beyond centerposition in FIG. 38 showing the slider removed from the retractor frameand a dashed circle extending about a locking mechanism of the slider;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view taken across line 40-40 in FIG. 37showing the slider in a retracted position and a lock button of thelocking mechanism in a lowered locked position;

FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 40 showing the sliderin the beyond center position and the lock button in a raised unlockedposition;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a retractor in accordance with anotherform of the present invention showing sliders of the retractor inextended positions thereof;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of one of the sliders of the retractor ofFIG. 42 showing a slider linear drive and a ratchet mechanism engaged onopposite sides of the slider;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 44-44 in FIG. 42showing a drive cap and a pinion of the slider linear drive received ina bore hole of the frame;

FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of the pinion of FIG. 44 showing anupper portion of the pinion having inclined cam surfaces and verticallyextending drive surfaces;

FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the drive cap of FIG. 44 showinginclined cam surfaces and vertically extending drive surfaces;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a button and a lock latch of theratchet mechanism of FIG. 43 showing a tooth of the button for engagingthe slider;

FIG. 47A is a perspective view of the lock latch of FIG. 47 and aninternal detent mechanism of the button showing a ball of the detentmechanism engaging a recess of the lock latch to resist movement of thelock latch away from a selected orientation thereof;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 48-48 in FIG. 42showing the lock latch in an unlocked position and the tooth of thebutton disengaged from the slider;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the portion of the retractor of FIG. 48showing the lock latch received in a cavity of the frame and abutting awall of the cavity;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 48 showing the locklatch pivoted to a ratchet position and the tooth of the button engagedwith the slider;

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the portion of the retractor of FIG. 50showing the lock latch in the ratchet orientation and the lock latchhaving clearance within the frame cavity to permit the lock latch topivot back and forth with the button as the tooth thereof ratchets inand out of depressions of the slider;

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 48 showing the locklatch pivoted to a locked position such that the lock latch abuts asurface of the frame and the tooth of the button is fixed in engagementin a depression of the slider;

FIG. 53 is a top plan view of the portion of the retractor of FIG. 52showing the lock latch holding the button and tooth thereof in fixedengagement with the slider;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 54-54 in FIG. 43showing an inner member of the slider in an initial configuration;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 54 showing anelevation screw of the slider having been rotated to pivot the innermember to an inclined orientation relative to an outer member of theslider;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a retractor having operating mechanismsthat receive tissue engaging members and permit retraction of the tissueengaging members to retract tissues;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a slider and a slider linear drive ofone of the operating mechanisms of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a worm screw and a worm gear assemblyof the linear drive mechanism of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 59-59 in FIG. 58showing a helical tooth of the worm screw engaged with teeth of the wormgear assembly;

FIG. 60 is an exploded, perspective view of the worm gear assembly ofFIG. 58 showing ball bearings that are radially shiftable to couple anddecouple a worm gear and a pinion gear of the worm gear assembly;

FIG. 61A is a cross-sectional view of the worm gear assembly of FIG. 60in an assembled configuration, FIG. 61A showing a release shaft of theworm gear assembly in a drive position wherein a head portion of therelease shaft keeps the ball bearings shifted radially outward andcouples the worm gear and the pinion gear;

FIG. 61B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 61A showing therelease shaft in a release position wherein a neck portion of therelease shaft permits the ball bearings to shift radially inward anddecouple the worm gear and the pinion gear;

FIG. 62A is a cross-sectional view taken across line 62A-62A in FIG. 61Ashowing the release shaft in the drive position and the ball bearingsextending in through openings of the pinion gear and into pockets of theworm gear;

FIG. 62B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 61A showing therelease shaft in the release position and the ball bearings shifted outof the pockets of the worm gear;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a retractor having operating mechanismsthat support tissue engaging members and permit a user to retract thetissue engaging members and retract tissues of a patient;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a slider and a slider linear drive ofone of the operating mechanisms of the retractor of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 65-65 in FIG. 64showing a wall of an outer member of the slider received in a pocket ofan inner member of the slider; and

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the outer member of the slider of FIG.65 showing a through opening of the wall that receives a pivot pin toconnect the outer member to the inner member of the slider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1-6, a guide dilator 10 for inserting tissue engaging members,such as retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18, through an incision and intoposition adjacent a surgical site is provided. The guide dilator 10provides a rigid support for the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 as theguide dilator 10, and the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 connectedthereto, slide along one or more initial dilators 516, 520 (see FIG. 12)into position adjacent a surgical site. The guide dilator 10 supportsthe retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 against resistance from muscles,tendons, and other tissues and to limit splaying of the retractor blades12, 14, 16, 18 as they are advanced along the guide dilator 10 into theincision. In this manner, the guide dilator 10 allows a surgeon toeasily advance the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 into an incisionwithout the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 shifting and permittingtissues to encroach into gaps between the blades 12, 14, 16, 18.

With reference to FIG. 1, the guide dilator 10 has a generally tubularconfiguration extending along a longitudinal axis 19. Further, the guidedilator 10 has slide connections with the retractor blades 12, 14, 16,18, such as a mounting rail 20 that is received in sliding engagement ina slot 190 (see FIG. 5) on the blade 12, which permit the blades 12, 14,16, 18 to be easily slid onto the guide dilator 10 in direction 22 andoff of the guide dilator 10 in direction 44, as shown in FIG. 1. Thisway, the guide dilator 10 and blades 12, 14, 16, 18 can be rapidly andsecurely assembled during a surgery. The slide connections have stopportions, such as a lower end wall 170 of the mounting rail 20 and astop surface 174 (see FIG. 5) of the blade 12, which are configured toabut and keep the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 from sliding off of the guidedilator 10 in direction 22 as tissues resist movement of the blades 12,14, 16, 18 into an incision.

In one form, the guide dilator 10 has a tissue engaging member retentionmechanism, such as resilient arms 30, 32 of the mounting rail 20 whichhave distal ends 30 a, 30 b configured to be spaced apart by a distancethat is greater than a width of the slot 190 of retractor blade 12 (seeFIG. 5). When the blade 12 is slid onto mounting rail 20, the blade 12deflects the distal ends 30 a, 30 b of the arms 30, 32 toward eachother. The deflected arms 30, 32 resiliently bias against andfrictionally engage surfaces 193, 195 of the slot 190. In this mannerthe tissue engaging member retention mechanisms engage the blades 12,14, 16, 18 and provide resistance to removal of the blades 12, 14, 16,18 from the guide dilator 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The frictionalresistance is sufficient to keep the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 engaged withthe guide dilator 10 when the guide dilator 10 is assembled and handledwithin the operating room, but permit the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 to beslid off of the guide dilator 10 when the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 are at adesired position within a patient. In this manner, the guide dilator 10provides an elegant solution to the problem of handling the retractorblades 12, 14, 16, 18 throughout a surgical procedure.

A trailing end portion 40 of the guide dilator 10 is grasped after theretractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 are mounted on the guide dilator 10 anda leading end portion 42 of the guide dilator 10 is advanced into anincision in direction 44, as shown in FIG. 1. Once the leading endportion 42 reaches the surgical site through the incision, the blades12, 14, 16, 18 are slid downward in direction 44 along an outer bearingsurface 46 of the leading end portion 42 until distal ends of theretractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 reach an end 48 of the guide dilator 10.Next, a surgical retractor is connected to the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 tohold the retractor blades stationary in the incision and the guidedilator 10 is withdrawn from the incision in direction 22. The relativemovement between the guide dilator 10 and the retractor blades 12, 14,16, 18 withdraws guide dilator mounting rails 20, 92, 94, 96 (see FIG.3) from associated slots in the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 and disengages theguide dilator 10 from the blades 12, 14, 16, 18. In this manner, movingthe guide dilator 10 in a linear motion in direction 44 into an incisionadvances the connected retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 to a desiredposition adjacent a surgical site, and a reverse, linear motion indirection 22 disengages the guide dilator 10 from the blades 12, 14, 16,18 and withdraws the guide dilator 10 from the incision in a singlelinear motion. As is apparent, this is an intuitive and speedy procedurefor inserting retractor blades into position adjacent a surgical site.

With reference to the blade 12 in FIG. 1, the connection between theretractor blade 12 and the mounting rail 20 holds a tip 34 of the blade12 against sliding in rotary direction 36 around the guide dilator 10and radially away from the guide dilator 10 in direction 38. Theconnections between the mounting rails 92, 94, 96 and the blades 14, 16,18 similarly limit movement of tips 35, 37, 39 of the blades 14, 16, 18around and radially away from the guide dilator 10. In contrast to someprevious techniques, where tissues could shift retractor blades as theblades were slid along a dilator into an incision, the guide dilator 10holds retractor blade tips 34, 35, 37, 39 in a predetermined orientationaround the guide dilator 10 against deflection and tissue creep untilthe guide dilator 10 is disengaged from the retractor blades 12, 14, 16,18.

Turning to FIG. 2, the guide dilator 10 has a central cannula 50 thatpermits the guide dilator 10 and connected retractor blades 12, 14, 16,18 to be slid over one or more dilators used to initially enlarge anincision, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The blades 12,14, 16, 18 form a round outer profile 52 around the guide dilator 10interrupted by gap spacings 54 between adjacent retractor blades. Withthe blades 12, 14, 16, 18 connected to guide dilator 10 and the bladedistal ends 34, 35, 37, 39 spaced from the guide dilator end 48, asshown in FIG. 1, the generally cylindrical leading end portion 42 of theguide dilator 10 and the round outer profile 52 of the blade distal ends34, 35, 37, 39 sequentially dilate an incision and minimize stresses onthe tissues surrounding the incision. In an alternative embodiment, theguide dilator 10 may lack a central cannula 50 and instead have agenerally cylindrical configuration. In this approach, the leading endportion 42 may have a configuration to provide a controlled dilation ofthe incision.

The guide dilator 10 and connected retractor blades 12, 14, 16, and 18provide additional functionality once the guide dilator 10 reaches thesurgical site. For example, the retractor blades 12, 16 are cannulatedblades having cylindrical portions 64, 66 extending radially inward intogrooves 70, 72 which extend along the length of the guide dilator 10, asshown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5. The cylindrical portions 64, 66 havethroughbores or cannulas 74, 76 that are unobstructed even when theblades 12, 16 are connected to the mounting rails 20, 94. A fixationpin, nerve monitoring probe, or other tool may be inserted along thegrooves 70, 72 and into either one of the cannulas 74, 76 once the guidedilator and retractor blades 12 have been advanced to the surgical site.The presence of the unobstructed cannulas 74, 76 also provides a visualwindow for a surgeon to observe the tissues and bones directly beneaththe blades 12, 16 without having to remove the retractor blades 12, 16from the guide dilator 10. In one approach, a surgeon can visually checkwhether one of the cannulas 74, 76 is above a vertebra by lookingthrough the cannula 74, 76 before driving a fixation pin through thecannula 74, 76 and into the vertebra to secure the associated blade 12,16 to the vertebra.

The mounting rails 20, 92, 94, 96 have features for rapidly engaging anddisengaging the retractor blades 12, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Forexample, the mounting rail 20 has a lower base 110 and an upper flange112, the flange 112 having two elongate sections 114, 116 separated bythe elongate groove 70 therebetween. The elongate sections 114, 116 haveintegral resilient arms 30, 32 that frictionally engage inner slotsurfaces 193, 195 (see FIG. 5) of the retractor blade 12 to resistremoval of the blade 12 from the guide dilator 10. The guide dilator 10also has mounting rails 92, 96 that are substantially similar to themounting rails 20, 92 with the exception that the mounting rails 92, 96are not intersected or divided by the grooves 70, 72. Instead, themounting rail 92 has a lower base 120 and an upper flange 122 withresilient arms 134, 136 substantially similar to the arms 30, 32.Surrounding the lower base 120 of the mounting rail 92 is a recessedsurface 138 that provides additional clearance for the retractor blade14 to slide onto the mounting rail 92.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the resilient arms 134, 136 engage theslot 220 of the blade 14. The resilient arms 134, 136 have taperedsurfaces 144, 146 that frictionally engage slot surfaces 223, 225 of theblade 14 and resist removal of the blade 14 from the mounting rail 92.When the blade 14 is connected to the mounting rail 92, the resilientarms 134, 136 are resiliently deflected toward each other in directions140, 142 such that the resilient arms 134, 136 bias the tapered surfaces144, 146 into frictional engagement with the slot surfaces 223, 225.

The guide dilator 10 and the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 preferablyhave cooperating stop portions which limit sliding of the retractorblades beyond a position where the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 arefully engaged with the mounting rails 20, 92, 94, 96. For example, withreference to FIG. 4, the mounting rails 20, 94 have lower end walls 170,172 which abut stop surfaces on the blades 12, 16, such as the stopsurface 174 of the blade 12 (see FIG. 5). The lower end walls 170, 172have curvatures that are complimentary to the stop surfaces of theblades 12, 16 which permits the surfaces to firmly engage the end walls170, 172. The mounting rails 92, 96 have similar lower end walls 178,180 for engaging stop surfaces on the retractor blades 80, 82, such as astop surface 176 of the blade 14 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, a cannulated blade, such as the blade 12,has a slot 190 for receiving the flange 112 of the mounting rail 20. Theslot 190 comprises an open end 192 and a closed end 194, the mountingrail 20 being inserted into the open end 192 of the slot 190 and slidalong the blade 12 until reaching the closed end 194 of the slot 190.The blade 12 has inwardly extending walls 196, 198 which slide beneaththe flange 112 and interlock therewith to restrict movement of the blade12 radially outward from the guide dilator 10. In one form, axiallyextending surfaces of the flange 112 and the walls 196, 198 extend froma midline 199 of the blade 12 toward the distal end 36 of the blade 12 adistance that is at least a quarter of a blade length 210 (see FIG. 5)when the blade 12 is connected to the guide dilator 10. The walls 196,198 have serrations 200, 202 for engaging ratchet arms 203, 205 of adocking anchor 201 (see FIG. 31) which may be inserted into the open end192 of the slot 190 and slid down toward the closed end 194 with theratchet arms 203, 205 resiliently biased into engagement with theserrations 200, 202 to releasably fix the depth of the docking anchor201 within the blade 12.

Further, even if the retractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 have varyingstraightness along their lengths, sliding the blades 12, 14, 16, 18fully onto the mounting rails 20, 92, 94, 96 (see FIG. 1) holds distalends 34, 35, 37, 39 of the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 to the guide dilator10. The interlocking engagement between the flanges of the mountingrails, such as the flange 112 of the mounting rail 20, and the inwardlyextending walls of the associated blade, such as walls 196, 198 of theblade 12, ensures that the walls 196, 198 are held below the flange 112when the stop surface 174 is slid into engagement with the lower endwall 170 of the mounting rail 20. With the walls 196, 198 held firmlyadjacent the lower base 110 of the mounting rail 20, the blade distalend 34 extends from the lower end wall 170 of the mounting rail 20 alongthe leading end portion 42 of the guide dilator 10. In this manner, theguide dilator 10 compensates for variation in the straightness of theretractor blades 12, 14, 16, 18 by ensuring the retractor blade distalends 34, 35, 37, 39 are evenly spaced about the guide dilator 10 andspaced from each other.

The blade length 210 is chosen for a particular operation and typicallyis in the range of 80 mm-180 mm for lateral approach surgery. As shownin FIG. 5, the blade 12 also has a tip distance 216 extending betweenthe stop surface 174 and the distal end 34. When the blade 12 is slidonto the mounting rail 20 and the lower end wall 170 of the mountingrail 20 abuts the stop surface 174 of the blade 12, the blade 12generally extends the tip distance 216 along the leading end portion 42of the guide dilator 10 beyond the stop surface 174 (see FIG. 3).

The blade 14 is substantially similar to the blade 12 with the exceptionof the cylindrical portion 64 and the cannula 74 thereof. Like the blade12, the blade 80 has a slot 220 with an open end 222, a closed end 224,and inwardly extending walls 226, 228 with serrations 230. The blade 14has a length 232 and a tip distance 234 extending between the stopsurface 176 and a distal end 236 of the blade 14. The guide dilator 10may be provided with sets of blades 12, 14, 16, 18 having differentblade lengths 210 or 232, although the tip distance 216 or 234 remainssimilar for the different blade lengths. In this manner, the amount ofleading end portion 42 covered by the blades 12, 14, 16, 18 is fixed fordifferent sets of blades having different lengths.

A guide dilator 300 in accordance with another form of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 7. The guide dilator 300 issubstantially similar to the guide dilator 10 previously discussed, withthe exception that the guide dilator 300 has mounting rails 302, 304,306, 308 with different mechanisms for retaining the respectiveretractor blades than the guide dilator 10. More specifically, themounting rails 302, 304, which are intersected by grooves 310, 312, haveflanges 320, 322 with elongate sections 324, 326 and resilient members328, 330 disposed in the middle of the elongate sections 324, 326. Theresilient members 328, 330 are resiliently biased radially outward intoengagement with associated retractor blades to provide a frictionalengagement therebetween in a manner similar to the resilient arms 30,32. Likewise, the mounting rails 306, 308 have flanges 332, 334 withresilient members 336, 338 for creating frictional engagement withassociated retractor blades.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the resilient member 328 of the mounting rail 302is spaced from a lower portion 329 of the rail 302 by a gap 331 when aretractor blade is not connected to the mounting rail 302. Sliding aretractor blade onto the rail 302, such as blade 12, deflects theresilient member 328 radially inward in direction 333 and decreases thesize of the gap 331, as shown in FIG. 7B. With the retractor blade 12connected to the rail 302, the resilient member 328 biases against asurface 335 thereof radially outward in direction 337 into frictionalengagement with a surface 158 of the blade 12 (see FIG. 5). In oneapproach, the guide dilator 300 is made of stainless steel or aluminumand the member 328 may resiliently flex due to the elongate gap spacing331 machined into the mounting rail 302. The retractor blade 12 may bemade of, for example, aluminum or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

A guide dilator 410 and retractor blades 412, 414 in accordance withanother form of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 8-10. The guidedilator 410 is similar to the guide dilator 10 and has mounting rails416, 418 (see FIG. 9) for slidably engaging the blades 412, 414.Specifically, the blades 412, 414 slide onto the mounting rails 416, 418in direction 430, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, blade 412 slides indirection 430 into engagement with mounting rail 416 and may slide indirection 430 until a stop surface 433 (see FIG. 10) engages a lower endwall 432 of the mounting rail 416. The blades 412, 414 may be easily andrapidly slid onto or off of the guide dilator 10 along a leading endportion 434 thereof.

Turning to FIG. 9, the blades 412, 414 form a generally circular profilewhen engaged with the guide dilator 410. One difference between theguide dilator 410 and the guide dilator 10 is that the guide dilator 410has only two mounting rails 416, 418 to accommodate blades 412, 414which each extend around the guide dilator 410 approximately 180degrees. Another difference is that the blades 412, 414 are bothcannulated with a cylindrical portion 440, 442 and cannulas 444, 446sized to receive a fixation pin, nerve probe, or other instrument aswill be discussed in greater detail below.

Referring next to FIGS. 11-24, a retraction procedure using the guidedilator 410 and the blades 412, 414 is illustrated. Initially, anincision is made adjacent a desired surgical site 510 of a spine 512. Adilator 516 is inserted in the incision into position at a surgical site510, such as into contact with the intervertebral disc 620. A guide wire514 is inserted into the cannula of the dilator 516 in direction 518until the guide wire pierces into the intervertebral disc 620, securingthe position of the dilator 516. As shown in FIG. 12, a second dilator520 is slid downward along the first dilator 516 in direction 522 tofurther dilate the tissues surrounding the surgical site 510. A thirddilator 524 may be slid over the second dilator 520 to further expandthe tissues, as shown in FIG. 13. Once the dilators 516, 520, 524 haveinitially enlarged the incision, the assembled guide dilator 410 and theretractor blades 412, 414 may be slid along the dilator 524 in direction526 into the incision. As is apparent, the leading end portion 434 ofthe guide dilator 410 enlarges the tissues surrounding the incision asthe leading end portion 434 is advanced toward the surgical site 510.Further, distal ends 540, 542 of the retractor blades 412, 414 alsodilate the tissues as the distal ends 540, 542 are advanced into theincision. In some approaches, it may be desirable to insert the guidedilator 410 and connected blades 412, 414 as shown in FIG. 14 to permitretraction of the blades 412, 414 in directions generally perpendicularto the length of the spine 512.

Once the leading end portion 434 of the guide dilator 410 reaches thesurgical site 510, the surgeon may want to monitor for the presence ofadjacent nerves before the retractor blades 412, 414 are slid downwardalong the leading end portion 434 into position adjacent the surgicalsite 510 would further dilate the tissues adjacent the surgical site510. One approach to nerve monitoring involves advancing a nervemonitoring probe 550 (see FIG. 15) along one of the grooves 552, 554extending along the length of the guide dilator 410 and into one of thecannulas 444, 446 (see FIG. 9) of the blades 412, 414. The nervemonitoring probe 550 has a shaft 556 ending at a bulbous tip 558 sizedto fit into cannulas 444, 446 of the blades 412, 414. In the illustratedapproach, the nerve monitoring probe 550 was inserted downward indirection 564 into the cannula 444 until the bulbous tip 558 extendsdownward beyond the tip 540 of the retractor blade 412. As shown in FIG.17, the guide dilator 410 and the connected blades 412, 414 and nervemonitoring probe 550 may be rotated in directions 570, 572 to maneuverthe tip 558 of the nerve monitoring probe 550 in a path around thesurgical site 510. In this manner, the surgeon can monitor for thepresence of nerves around the entirety of the leading end portion 434before continuing the surgical procedure.

If the results of the nerve monitoring are satisfactory, the retractorblades 412, 414 are slid downwardly down the guide dilator 410 indirection 588 until distal ends 540, 542 are positioned adjacent thesurgical site 510, as shown in FIG. 18. The retractor blades 412, 414remain engaged with the mounting rails 416, 418 as the retractor blades412, 414 slide along the leading end portion 434 of the guide dilator410. At this point, the surgeon may want to secure the retractor blade412 to a vertebra 590 (see FIG. 22) to stabilize the blade 412 relativeto the patient during subsequent steps of the retraction procedure. Inthe illustrated approach, a fixation pin 580 having a head 582, a shank584, and a tip 586 (see FIG. 19) is driven in direction 588 into thecannula 444 of the blade 412 after the nerve monitoring probe 550 hasbeen removed from the cannula 444. With the blade 412 secured to thevertebra 590, as shown in FIG. 20, a retractor 600 is moved along theguide dilator 410 in direction 602 until operating mechanisms 604, 606reach the blades 412, 414. As will be discussed in greater detail below,the operating mechanisms 604, 606 may be secured with the blades 412,414 by engaging dovetail connections between the operating mechanisms604, 606 and the blades 412, 414 and fixing the operating mechanisms604, 606 to the blades 412, 414.

As shown in FIG. 21, the guide dilator 410, the guide wire 514, and thedilators 516, 520, 524 may be withdrawn from the incision in direction610. With the operating mechanisms 604, 606 of the retractor 600 engagedwith the blades 412, 414, the blades 412, 414 are held against movementwhile the guide dilator 410 is withdrawn in direction 610 outward fromthe incision. The relative movement between the guide dilator 410 andthe retractor blades 412, 414 draws the mounting rails 416, 418 of theguide dilator 410 out of respective slots on the blades 412, 414 anddisengages the connections therebetween. In this manner, withdrawing theguide dilator 410 simultaneously disengages the blades 412, 414 from theguide dilator 410 and removes the guide dilator 410 from a workingchannel 640 between the retractor blades 412, 414, as shown in FIG. 22.

With reference to FIG. 22, the retractor 600 and the blades 412, 414 areshown positioned above the intervertebral disc 620 between vertebrae590, 591. The operating mechanisms 604, 606 include sliders 622, 624having dovetail recesses 626, 628 that slide over and into engagementwith dovetail projections 630, 632 of the retractor blades 412, 414. Theoperating mechanisms 604, 606 have fixation screws 634, 636 thatreleasably fix the blades 412, 414 to the sliders 622, 624. As shown inFIG. 22, the retractor blades 412, 414 define an initial size of theworking channel 640 to the intervertebral disc 620. To retract tissuesin directions transverse to the operating mechanisms 604, 606, theretractor 600 has operating mechanisms 642, 644 that receive anotherpair of retractor blades such as a narrow retractor blade 650, as shownin FIG. 23. The narrow retractor blade 650 has a dovetail projection 652and a body 654 extending from the dovetail projection 652 and ending ata tip 656. With reference to FIG. 24, narrow retractor blades 650, 662have dovetail projections 652, 666 that are slid downward and engagedwith the dovetail recesses 668, 670 with bodies 654, 674 advancing intogaps between the blades 412, 414. Fixation screws 676, 678 are tightenedto engage the blades 660, 662 with the operating mechanisms 642, 644.The operating mechanisms 606, 642, and 644 are then retracted indirections 690, 692, 694 to enlarge the working channel 640 to a desiredsize to accommodate tools for operating on the intervertebral disc 620.

With reference to FIG. 25, the operating mechanism 604 has a resilientelement 700 disposed in the dovetail recess 626 which aids in releasablysecuring the blade 630 to the operating mechanism 604. Morespecifically, the operating mechanism 604 includes a wedge lock 633having a fixation screw 634 threadingly engaged with a nut 635, as shownin FIG. 26. The wedge lock 633 is disposed in a recess 643 of a sliderinner member 641 of the operating mechanism 604, as shown in FIG. 27.Tightening the fixation screw 634 draws the nut 635 upward along thefixation screw 634 and engages wedge 637 with an inclined surface 639 ofan inner member 641. Drawing the wedge 637 upward along the inclinedsurface 639 shifts the wedge outward in direction 645 which appliespressure against the dovetail projection 630 of the retractor blade 412received in the dovetail recess 626 and fixes the blade 412 to theslider inner member 641. Loosening the fixation screw 634 shifts the nut635 downward along the screw 634 and the resilient element 700 biasesthe wedge 637 downward and radially inward in direction 647 to returnthe wedge 637 to an initial, unlocked position shown in FIG. 26.

As shown in FIG. 25, the operating mechanism 644 includes a slider 710disposed in a slot 712 of the retractor frame 714. The operatingmechanism 644 further comprises a ratchet mechanism 716 that permits theslider 710 to retract in direction 720 but restricts return movement ofthe slider 710 until a button 724 of the ratchet mechanism 10 is pressedto disengage the ratchet mechanism 716 from the slider 710. Withreference to FIG. 28, the slider 710 and portions of the ratchetmechanism 716 are shown removed from the frame 714 of the retractor 600.The ratchet mechanism 716 includes an integral tooth 717 of the button724 and a spring (not shown) that biases the button 724 in direction 719around shaft 721 and the tooth 717 into engagement with depressions 723on a base 735 of the slider 710. Pressing the button 724 overcomes thebiasing force of the spring and disengages the tooth 717 from thedepressions 723 on the base 735.

With reference to FIG. 29, the slider 730 is shown removed from theretractor frame 714. The slider 730 comprises an inner member 732pivotally connected with a base 734 at a pivot pin 736. The slider 730includes an elevation screw 740 engaged with threads 741 of the innermember 732. The elevation screw 740 has a ball 747 at one end thereofengaged with a socket 748 of the base 734. Rotating the elevation screw740 in direction 750 elevates an end 742 of the inner member 732 indirection 744 and rotation of the elevation screw 740 in an oppositedirection lowers the end 742 in direction 746. The connection betweenthe ball 747 and the socket 748 permits the elevation screw 740 torotate and elevate/lower the inner member 732 while pivoting relative tothe base 734 as the inner member 732 elevates/lowers.

With reference to FIG. 30, a retractor 800 in accordance with anotherform of the present invention is shown. The retractor 800 issubstantially similar to the retractor 600, except for operatingmechanisms 802 that have a fixed pivot pin 804 about which a slider 806of the operating mechanism 802 pivots in direction 808. By contrast, thepivot pin 736 of the slider 750 (see FIG. 29) retracts with retractionof the slider 730. Another difference is that the slider 806 has aslider outer body 810 which slides along axis 812 relative to a sliderinner body 814. Like the retractor 600, the retractor 800 has anelevation screw 816 with a ball 818 and socket 820 for accommodatingpivoting of the slider 806. Further, the operating mechanism 802includes a ratchet mechanism 822 that permits retraction of the slider806 but restricts movement of the slider 806 in direction 826 in amanner similar to the operating mechanism 644. The ratchet mechanism 822includes a button 824 that is pressed to disengage the ratchet mechanism822 and permit the slider 806 to move in direction 826.

With reference to FIG. 31, the docking anchor 201 has a body 207 sizedto fit within a slot of a retractor blade, such as a slot 190 of theblade 12 (see FIG. 5). The body 207 is advanced into the open end 192 ofthe slot 190 and slid therein until reaching the closed end 194 of theslot. At this position, a blade 209 of the docking anchor 201 extendsbeyond the distal end 34 of the blade 12 such that a tip 211 of theblade 209 can penetrate a surface of an intervertebal disc duringsurgery. Further, the ratchet arms 203, 205 of the docking anchor 201are resiliently biased apart to engage serrations 200, 202 of the bladeto secure the docking anchor 201 to the blade 12 at a desired position.

As shown in FIG. 32, a disposable light source 900 for use with theretractor 600 is shown. The disposable light source 900 has a flexiblefiber optic cable 902 and an anodized aluminum tip 904 sized to fitwithin a slot of a retractor blade, such as the slot 190 of retractorblade 60 shown in FIG. 5. The tip 904 includes a light source 906 forilluminating a retracted incision, such as the working channel 640 shownin FIG. 22.

With reference to FIG. 33, a retractor 1010 in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention is illustrated. The retractor 1010 issubstantially similar to the retractor 600 such that the differencestherebetween will be highlighted. The retractor 1010 has a frame 1012including a raised portion 1014 that accommodates placement of theretractor 1010 adjacent a patient's iliac crest. The raised portion 1014includes a pair of arms 1016, 1018 supporting an operating mechanism1020 disposed above the plane of the other operating mechanisms 1022,1024, 1026. The operating mechanism 1020 has a dovetail recess 1030 anda wedge lock 1032 operable via a screw 1034 similar to operatingmechanism 604 discussed above; however, the operating mechanism 1010lacks a slider to retract the associated retractor blade.

As shown in FIG. 34, the retractor 1010 may be used to retract tissuesadjacent lumbar vertebra 1040, 1042. The raised portion 1014 of theretractor 1010 provides spacing 1044 between the operating mechanism1020 and an iliac crest 1046 of the patient. In this manner, a surgeoncan position the raised portion 1014 upon a patient's hip while keepingthe retractor 1010 relatively flush with the skin of the patient. Theoperating mechanism 1020 utilizes a longer blade 1050 to compensate forthe distance the operating mechanism 1020 is elevated above the otheroperating mechanisms. Although blade 1050 is longer than the remainingblades 1052, 1054, 1056, the blades 1050, 1052, 1054, 1056 may all beinserted using a single guide dilator, such as guide dilator 10, in amanner substantially similar to the processes described above. The blade1050 has a longer slot than the blades 1052, 1054, 1056 so that thedistal ends of the blades 1050, 1052, 1054, 1056 will be disposed evenlyat the leading end portion 46 of the guide dilator 10.

A pin dilator 1100 may also be used with the guide dilators 10, 300, 410and surgical techniques described above. The pin dilator 1100 includes adilator 1102 and a guide wire 1104 fixed in the dilator 1102. The pindilator 1100 is an easy-to-handle tool that may be used in place of aconventional guidewire 514 and first dilator 516 (see FIG. 11).

Turning to FIGS. 36-41, a retractor 1210 in accordance with the presentinvention is shown. The retractor 1200 is similar in a number of ways toretractors 600 and 1010 and includes sliders 1212 connected to retractorblades 1214 which retract radially outward to enlarge an incision. Theretractor 1200 includes a ratchet mechanism 1220 comprising a button1222 and an integral tooth 1224 similar to the button 724 and tooth 717(see FIG. 28) for selectively engaging the associated slider 1212, asshown in FIG. 36. The retractor 1200 further includes a slider lockmechanism 1230 comprising a lock latch 1232 that is pivotally connectedto the button 1222. The slider lock mechanism 1230 fixes the tooth 1224with the slider 1212 and reduces the chance that the ratchet mechanism1220 may be accidentally disengaged during operation, which would permitthe slider 1212 and associated retractor blade 1214 to shift radiallyinward. More specifically, when the slider 1212 as been retracted, asurgeon may pivot the lock latch 1232 toward a frame 1240 of theretractor 1200 such that the latch 1232 abuts the frame 1240 andrestricts the button 1222 and integral tooth 1224 thereof from movingout of engagement with the slider 1212, as shown in FIG. 37.

The retractor 1200 also permits a surgeon to move the sliders 1212radially inward to a beyond center position where the associatedretractor blade 1214 connected to the slider 1212 is beyond a center ofa working channel defined by the retracted retractor blades 1214, asshown in FIG. 38. The retractor 1200 has a beyond center lockingmechanism 1250 that controls whether a radially outer end 1252 of theslider 1212 may pass radially inward beyond the retractor frame 1240.The beyond center locking mechanism 1250 includes a lock button 1254shiftably connected to a base 1256 of the slider 1212 by a pin 1258, asshown in FIGS. 39 and 40. The pin 1258 travels in a slot 1260 of thebase 1256 and permits the lock button 1254 to shift up and down as shownby arrow 1262 in FIG. 39.

For example, while retracting an incision, stray tissues may extend intothe working channel between blades 1214. In prior approaches, a surgeonwould need to insert a tool into the surgical field and tuck the straytissues behind the nearby retractor blades 1214 to remove the straytissues from the working channel. By contrast, a surgeon utilizing theretractor 1200 who encounters stray tissues in the working channel, maysimply shift the button 1254 upward so that a lower end 1270 is inclearance with a radially outer wall 1272 of the retractor frame 1240,as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. The surgeon then may move the slider 1212and retractor blade 1214 radially inward to the beyond center position,as shown in FIG. 38. The slider 1212 and retractor frame 1240 includeconfronting surfaces 1280, 1282 that abut and limit movement of theslider 1212 radially inward to a predetermined position along theretractor frame 1240.

With reference to FIG. 42, a retractor 1300 is provided that is similarin many respects to the retractors discussed above. The retractor 1300has a frame 1302 extending about a central opening 1304 and operatingmechanisms 1306 for connecting tissue engaging members, such asretractor blades, to the frame 1302. The operating mechanisms 1306 eachinclude a slider 1308 to which a blade is connected and a ratchetmechanism 1310 for selectively resisting movement of the slider 1308 indirection 1314 toward an extended position thereof.

The operating mechanism 1306 further includes a slider linear drive 1320for driving the slider 1308 in direction 1312 opposite direction 1314toward a retracted position thereof. Each operating mechanism 1306 mayinclude an associated slider linear drive 1320, which permits a surgeonto retract all of the sliders 1308 and blades connected thereto apartusing the slider linear drives 1320 to enlarge an incision. The sliderlinear drive 1320 provides for ease in controlling retraction of theslider 1308 by using a tool engaged with the slider linear drive 1320versus other systems that require use of tools that engage the bladesdirectly for spreading the blades apart. These prior tools may beundesirable in some procedures because they are inserted between theblades and used to spread the blades apart, which involves positioning aportion of the tool in the working channel created by the retractor. Itwill be appreciated that although the slider linear drive 1320 providesadvantages over tools that engage the blades directly for spreading theblades apart, the retractor 1300 may also be used with these prior toolsin addition to or in place of the linear drive mechanism 1320 forretracting the blades.

With reference to FIG. 43, the slider linear drive 1320 includes apinion 1330 with teeth 1332 that engage teeth 1334 of a rack 1336 of theslider 1308. In one form, the slider 1308 has an inner member 1340 andan outer member 1342. The inner member 1340 is pivotally connected tothe outer member 1342 via a pivot member such as a pivot pin 1600. Theouter member 1342 includes the rack 1336 such that operation of theslider linear drive 1320 drives the outer member 1342 and inner member1340 connected thereto in direction 1312 toward the retracted positionthereof. The slider linear drive 1320 further includes a drive cap 1346connected to the pinion 1330 at the upper end thereof as describedhereinafter. The drive cap 1346 has a tool engaging portion, such as asocket 1348 configured to receive a hexalobular driver. In use, asurgeon may insert the hexalobular driver into the socket 1348 and turnthe drive cap 1346 in a drive direction 1350. This causes rotation ofthe pinion 1330 in drive direction 1350 and, by way of the engagement ofthe pinion teeth 1332 and the rack teeth 1334, generates slidingmovement of the slider 1308 in direction 1312 relative to the frame 1302such that the slider 1308 slides toward the retracted position thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, the slider linear drive 1320 includesan anti-reverse device 1360 that limits rotation of the pinion 1330 torotation in drive direction 1350. By limiting rotation of the pinion1330 to rotation in the drive direction 1350, the retractor 1300 limitsthe likelihood of a surgeon using the hexalobular driver and the drivecap 1346 to unintentionally move the slider 1308 in direction 1314 andcollapsing the working channel formed by the retracted blades.

With reference to FIG. 44, the drive cap 1346 and pinion 1330 arereceived in a bore hole 1370 of the frame 1302. Both the drive cap 1346and the pinion 1330 can rotate in drive direction 1350 within the borehole 1370. The drive cap 1346 has a groove 1384 extending thereaboutthat receives a split ring 1386. The split ring 1386 extends into anannular recess 1388 extending about the bore hole 1370. The split ring1386 thereby retains the drive cap 1346 at a predetermined verticalposition at an upper end of the bore hole 1370 while permitting thedrive cap 1346 to rotate within the bore hole 1370.

In addition to being rotatable within the bore hole 1370, the pinion1330 can shift vertically in direction 1372 and disengage from the drivecap 1346 in response to a surgeon turning the drive cap 1346 in areverse direction 1351 (see FIG. 43). This disengagement inhibits thepinion 1330 from driving the slider 1308 in direction 1314 toward theextended position thereof even though the surgeon is rotating the drivecap 1346 in the reverse direction 1351. More specifically, theanti-reverse device 1360 includes a washer 1374 abutting a lower end1376 of the pinion 1330 and a washer 1378 abutting a seat 1380 of theframe 1302, as shown in FIG. 44. There is a biasing member, such as aspring 1382, positioned between the washers 1374, 1378. The spring 1382biases the washer 1374 upward and, in turn, biases the pinion 1330upward in direction 1373 against the drive cap 1346. The spring 1382 maybe partially compressed when the drive cap 1346, pinion 1330, spring1382, and washers 1374, 1378 are assembled within the bore hole 1370which causes the spring 1382 to press the pinion 1330 against theunderside of the drive cap 1346.

If the drive cap 1346 is rotated in reverse direction 1351, the pinion1330 is shifted downwardly in direction 1372 (see FIG. 44) anddisengages from the drive cap 1346 due to camming engagement betweensurfaces of the drive cap 1346 and pinion 1330, as discussed in greaterdetail below. When the pinion 1330 shifts downwardly in direction 1372,the pinion 1330 urges the washer 1374 toward the washer 1378 and furthercompresses the spring 1382. The spring 1382 resiliently urges the pinion1330 upwardly in direction 1373 in response to this compression.

Because the surgeon's rotation of the drive cap 1346 in the reversedirection 1351 does not produce any movement of the slider 1308, thesurgeon should readily appreciate that the drive cap 1346 is beingrotated in an incorrect direction and can then rotate the drive cap 1346in the drive direction 1350. As the surgeon rotates the drive cap 1346in drive direction 1350, the spring 1382 urges the pinion 1330 againstthe drive cap 1346. The rotating drive cap 1346 eventually reaches thecorrect orientation relative to the pinion 1330 where the surfaces ofthe drive cap 1346 and pinion 1330 can mate and fully engage asdiscussed in greater detail below. The spring 1382 thereby helps returnthe drive cap 1346 and the pinion 1330 into mating engagement as thedrive cap 1346 is rotated in the drive direction 1350 after the drivecap 1346 was rotated in the reverse direction 1351.

With reference to FIGS. 45 and 46, the anti-reverse device 1360 includescooperating protrusions of 1400, 1402 of the pinion 1330 and protrusions1404, 1406 of the drive cap 1346. When the drive cap 1346 is turned indrive direction 1350, the protrusions 1400, 1404 and 1402, 1406 mate andfully engage which causes turning of the pinion 1330 in drive direction1350. When the drive cap 1346 is turned in the reverse direction 1351,the protrusions 1404, 1406 disengage from the protrusions 1400, 1402 andride along the protrusions 1400, 1402. Even though the drive cap 1346may be turned in the reverse direction 1351, this turning does nottranslate into turning of the pinion 1330 in the reverse direction 1351due to the disengagement of the protrusions 1404, 1406 from theprotrusions 1400, 1402.

More specifically and with reference to FIG. 45, the protrusions 1400,1402 of the pinion 1330 include generally vertically extending drivesurfaces 1410, 1412 and cam surfaces 1418, 1420 that ramp up to upperends of the drive surfaces 1410, 1412. The pinion 1330 includes lands1414, 1416 extending circumferentially away from the drive surfaces 1410and which lead into the cam surfaces 1418, 1420. With reference to FIG.46, the protrusions 1404, 1406 of the drive cap 1346 likewise havegenerally vertically extending drive surfaces 1422, 1424 and camsurfaces 1430, 1434 that ramp downwardly to lower ends of the drivesurfaces 1422, 1424. The drive cap 1346 has lands 1426, 1428 extendingcircumferentially away from the drive surfaces 1422, 1424 and which leadinto the cam surfaces 1430, 1434. It is noted that FIG. 46 shows thedrive cap 1346 in an upside-down orientation such that the cam surfaces1430, 1434 are shown ramping upward toward the drive surfaces 1422,1424, but the cam surfaces 1430, 1434 would be oriented to ramp downwardtoward the drive surfaces 1422, 1424 when the drive cap 1346 and pinion1330 are assembled.

When the drive cap 1346 and the pinion 1330 are positioned in the framebore hole 1370, the protrusions 1404, 1406 of the drive cap 1346 arepositioned adjacent the lands 1414, 1416 of the pinion 1330. When thesurgeon inserts the hexalobular driver into the socket 1348 of the drivecap 1346 and turns the drive cap 1346 in drive direction 1350, thiscauses the drive surface 1422 of the drive cap 1346 to abut the drivesurface 1410 of the pinion 1330 and causes the drive surface 1424 of thedrive cap 1346 to abut the drive surface 1412 of the pinion 1330.Because of the abutting drive surfaces 1410, 1422 and 1412, 1424,turning of the drive cap 1346 in the drive direction 1350 producescorresponding turning of the pinion 1330 in drive direction 1350 andcauses retraction of the slider in direction 1312.

Conversely, if the surgeon rotates the hexalobular driver engaged withthe drive cap 1346 in the reverse direction 1351, the cam surface 1430of the drive cap 1346 cammingly engages the cam surface 1418 of thepinion 1330 and the cam surface 1434 of the drive cap 1346 camminglyengages the cam surface 1420 of the pinion 1330. This camming engagementbetween the surfaces 1430, 1418 and 1434, 1420 shifts the pinion 1330downward in direction 1372 (see FIG. 44) within the bore hole 1370 andcompresses the spring 1382. The downward movement of the pinion 1330permits the projections 1404, 1406 of the drive cap 1346 to snap pastthe projections 1400, 1404 of the pinion 1330 as the drive cap 1346 isturned in the reverse direction 1351 thereby inhibiting the drive cap1346 from causing similar turning of the pinion 1330 in reversedirection 1351. In effect, turning the drive cap 1346 in reversedirection 1351 moves the drive surfaces 1422, 1424 of the drive cap 1346away from the drive surfaces 1410, 1412 of the pinion 1330 whereasturning the drive cap 1346 in drive direction 1350 brings the drivesurfaces 1422, 1424 into engagement with the drive surfaces 1410, 1412.Because the drive surfaces 1410, 1422 and 1412, 1424 do not engage whenthe drive cap 1346 is turned in reverse direction 1351, the drive cap1346 is unable to cause rotation of the pinion 1330 in the reversedirection 1351.

With reference to FIGS. 47-50, the ratchet mechanism 1310 includes anactuator, such as the actuator button 1450, which is similar to theactuator buttons 724, 824, 1222 discussed above. The button 1450includes a projection, such as an integral projection tooth 1452, whichis similar to the projection teeth 717, 1224 discussed above. The tooth1452 engages recesses, such as depressions 1454, between adjacent teeth1454A on a side of the slider outer member 1342 opposite the rack 1336.The depressions 1454 are similar to the depressions 723 discussed aboveand both recesses receive a cooperating tooth 1452, 717. The button 1450has a through opening 1456 that receives a shaft 1458 rotatably mountedat its ends to the frame 1302 for pivotally mounting the button 1450 tothe frame 1302. The ratchet mechanism 1310 further includes a sliderlock mechanism 1460 that reduces the chance of the ratchet mechanism1310 being accidentally disengaged during operation which would permitthe slider 1308 and associated retractor blade to shift radially inward.The slider lock mechanism 1460 includes a lock latch 1462 pivotallyconnected to the button 1450 by a pin 1464.

With reference to FIGS. 49, 51, and 53 the lock latch 1462 may bepivoted between an unlocked position (see FIG. 49), a ratchet position(see FIG. 51), and a locked position (see FIG. 53) for limitingoperation of the button 1450 as discussed in greater detail below. Thelock latch 1462 has an orientation indicia 1470 that may be used toprovide visual or tactile feedback to the surgeon regarding the positionof the lock latch 1462. Further, the frame 1302 may have correspondingindicia, such as an unlocked indicia 1472 (see FIG. 49), a ratchetindicia 1474 (see FIG. 51), and a locked indicia 1476 (see FIG. 51)which indicate that the lock latch 1462 is in a desired position oncethe orientation indicia 1470 is aligned with the respective indicia1472, 1474, 1476.

Returning to FIG. 47, the button 1450 and the lock latch 1462 includeinterdigitated loops 1480, 1482 extending about the pin 1464. The loops1480, 1482 and pin 1464 form a hinge that permits pivoting of the locklatch 1462 relative to the button 1450. The lock latch 1462 includes ahandle portion 1484 that may include a scalloped outer surface to aidgripping by the surgeon and a tool receiving portion 1486. As anexample, the tool receiving portion 1486 may have a socket for receivinga hexalobular driver so that the surgeon may pivot the lock latch 1462using the hexalobular driver. The hexalobular driver may be used whentissue pressure against the blades requires more persuasion to unlockthe slider 1308 than the surgeon can apply with her finger tip(s).

The lock latch 1462 further includes a projection, such as a tab portion1490, extending from the handle portion 1484 that includes an end 1492.The lock latch surface 1494 abuts against surfaces of the frame 1302when the lock latch 1462 is in the unlocked and locked positions, asdiscussed in greater detail below. With reference to FIGS. 47 and 48,the button 1450 includes a blind bore 1500 for receiving one end of aspring 1502. The other end of the spring 1502 is received in a recess1504 of the frame 1302. With reference to FIG. 48, the spring biases thebutton 1450 in direction 1506 about the shaft 1458 and urges the tooth1452 of the button 1450 into engagement with the depressions 1454 of theslider outer member 1342. As with the ratchet mechanisms describedabove, the movement of the slider in direction 1312 toward the retractedposition thereof causes the tooth 1452 to ratchet over the teeth 1454Aof the slider 1308 and permits the slider 1308 to retract. Conversely,the spring 1458 urges the tooth 1452 into engagement with thedepressions 1454 and the contact between the tooth 1452 of the button1450 and the tooth 1454A of the slider 1308 adjacent the depression 1454resists movement of the slider 1308 in direction 1314 toward theextended position thereof.

Turning to FIG. 47A, the button 1450 includes a detent mechanism 1471for holding the lock latch 1462 in the unlocked, ratchet, or lockedpositions thereof and resisting unintentional pivoting of the lock latch1462 out of the selected position. The detent mechanism includes a ball1473 and a spring 1475 received in a blind bore of the button 1450. Thespring 1475 resiliently urges the ball 1473 partially outward from theblind bore and into engagement with an indexing surface 1469 of the locklatch 1462. The indexing surface 1469 includes grooves 1477, 1479, and1481 that correspond, respectively, to the locked, ratchet, and unlockedpositions of the lock latch 1462. For example, once the lock latch 1462has been pivoted to the ratchet position thereof, the ball 1473 snapsinto the groove 1479. To turn the lock latch 1462 to the locked positionthereof, the surgeon applies sufficient force to overcome the biasingforce from the spring 1475 and cam the ball 1473 out of the groove 1479.Once the lock latch 1462 reaches the locked position, the spring 1475urges the ball 1473 into the groove 1477.

With reference to FIGS. 48 and 49, the operation of the lock latch 1462will be discussed in greater detail. The frame 1302 includes a slot 1520that receives the slider 1308. The slot 1520 is formed by a pair ofspaced walls 1522, 1524 on opposite sides of the slider 1308 that guidethe slider 1308 as the slider 1308 shifts in directions 1312, 1314. Thewall 1522 has an opening 1525 in communication with the bore hole 1370through which the teeth 1332 of the pinion 1330 extend and engage theteeth 1334 of the slider rack 1336. The other wall 1524 includes athrough opening 1526 and the tooth 1452 extends therethrough to engagethe depressions 1454 of the slider 1308. The frame 1302 includes acavity 1530 near the wall 1524 with a flat floor surface 1532 and walls1534 upstanding from the floor surface 1532 that are arranged in agenerally U-shaped configuration. The lower end of the lock latch tabportion 1490 is received in the cavity 1530 and pivots therein withpivoting of the lock latch 1462 between the unlocked, ratchet, andlocked positions thereof.

With reference to FIG. 49, the lock latch 1462 has been pivoted to theunlocked position with the orientation indicia 1470 of the lock latch1462 aligned with unlocked indicia 1472 of the frame 1302. Pivoting thelock latch 1462 to the unlocked configuration brings the end 1492 of thelock latch 1462 into abutting contact with a surface 1540 of the walls1534 of the cavity 1530 and pivots the button 1450 in direction 1560.This causes the button 1450 to compress the spring 1502 and hold thetooth 1452 out of engagement with the depressions 1454 of the slider1308. Further, the lock latch 1462 resists pivoting of the button 1450in direction 1506 about the shaft 1458 and continues to cause the button1450 to hold the tooth 1452 out of engagement with the depressions 1454until the lock latch 1462 is pivoted away from the unlocked position.Thus, with the lock latch 1462 in the unlocked position, the surgeon canshift the slider 1308 in direction 1312 or 1314 as desired without thetooth 1452 resisting movement of the slider 1308.

With reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, the lock latch 1462 has been pivotedto the ratchet position thereof such that the orientation indicia 1470of the lock latch 1462 is aligned with the ratchet indicia 1474 of theframe 1302. Because the end 1492 of the lock latch 1462 no longer abutsthe cavity surface 1540, the spring 1502 can pivot the button 1450 indirection 1506 about the shaft 1458 and cause the tooth 1452 to engagethe depressions 1454 of the slider outer member 1342. The engaged tooth1452 and depressions 1454 are configured to permit the slider 1308 toslide in direction 1312. When the slider 1308 slides in direction 1312,the tooth 1452 received in one depression 1454 cams over and past theadjacent tooth 1454A, ratchets into the next depression 1454, cams overand past the next tooth 1454A, ratchets into the next depression 1454,cams over the next tooth 1454A, etc. However, the tooth 1452 can abutflat surfaces 1454B of the teeth 1454A and resist movement of the slider1308 in direction 1314.

To move the slider 1308 in direction 1314 when the lock latch 1462 is inthe ratchet position, the surgeon presses on a side 1511 (see FIG. 51)of the button 1450 and pivots the button 1450 in direction 1560. Thiscompresses the spring 1502 and withdraws the tooth 1452 out ofengagement with the depressions 1454. With the tooth 1452 disengagedfrom the depressions 1454, the slider 1308 may be slid in direction 1314toward the extended position thereof.

With the lock latch 1462 in the ratchet position of FIGS. 50 and 51, thelock latch 1462 can move back-and-forth within the cavity 1530 indirections 1560, 1506 with the button 1450. Specifically, the lock latch1462 pivots in direction 1560 as the button 1450 pivots in direction1560 about the shaft 1458 due to the tooth 1452 being cammed out of theway by the inclined surface of one of the teeth 1454A as the slider 1308shifts in direction 1312. For example, a surgeon may insert ahexalobular driver into the socket 1348 of the drive cap 1346 and turnthe drive cap 1346 and pinion 1330 in drive direction 1350. This causesthe slider 1308 to shift in direction 1312 toward the retracted positionthereof and the inclined surface of the one tooth 1454A cams the tooth1452 outward and out of engagement with the depression 1454. Thiscamming action causes the button 1450 to pivot in direction 1560 and thelock latch 1462 likewise pivots with the button 1450 in direction 1560within the cavity 1530.

Once the tooth 1452 has been cammed out of the way of the one tooth1454A, the button 1450 can pivot back in direction 1506 and advance thetooth 1452 into engagement with the next depression 1454 as the slider1308 slides in direction 1312. The lock latch 1462 likewise pivots withthe button 1450 in direction 1506 within the cavity 1530. Thus, the locklatch 1462 moves back-and-forth in directions 1560, 1506 as the slider1308 is shifted in direction 1312 and the tooth 1452 ratchets in and outof engagement with the depressions 1454. The cavity 1530 providesclearance for this back-and-forth movement of the lock latch 1462.

Upon the slider 1308 reaching the desired retracted position, thesurgeon may pivot the lock latch 1462 to the locked orientation shown inFIGS. 52 and 53. With the lock latch 1462 pivoted to the lockedorientation, the orientation indicia 1470 of the lock latch 1462 isaligned with the lock indicia 1476 of the frame 1302 and the end 1492 ofthe lock latch tab portion 1490 abuts a surface 1570 of the wall 1524.Due to the lock latch end 1492 abutting the wall surface 1570, the tabportion 1490 rigidly resists pivoting of the button 1450 in direction1560 which would disengage the tooth 1452 from the depressions 1454.Thus, with the lock latch 1462 in the locked position, the lock latch1462 maintains the tooth 1452 engaged with one of the depressions 1454of the slider outer member 1342. The lock latch 1462 thereby resistscontact against the button 1450 causing the button 1450 to withdraw thetooth 1452 from the depression 1454 and permitting the slider 1308 toshift in direction 1314 toward its extended position. Thus, even if thesurgeon were to press against the side 1511 and attempt to pivot thebutton 1450 in direction 1560, the lock latch 1462 would rigidly resistthe pivoting of the button 1450 and would thereby keep the tooth 1452engaged with one of the depressions 1454.

When the surgeon wants to shift the slider 1308 in direction 1314, thesurgeon simply pivots the lock latch 1462 back to the ratchetorientation (see FIG. 51) and presses against the side 1511 of thebutton 1450 to disengage the tooth 1452 from the depression 1454.Alternatively, the surgeon may pivot the lock latch 1462 to the unlockedorientation (see FIG. 49) which automatically pivots the button 1450 indirection 1560 and withdraws the tooth 1452 from the depression 1454.

With reference to FIGS. 54 and 55, the inner member 1340 is pivotallyconnected to the outer member 1342 at the pivot pin 1600. The slider1308 includes an elevation screw 1602 having a threaded shank 1604engaged with a threaded recess 1606 of the inner member 1340. Theelevation screw 1602 has a distal ball 1608 that is received in a socket1610 of the outer member 1342. The socket 1610 holds the ball 1608 andpermits pivoting of the ball 1608 relative to the outer member 1342. Asthe elevation screw 1602 is turned, the engagement between the elevationscrew 1602 and the inner member 1340 pivots the inner member 1340 aboutthe pivot pin 1600 to an inclined orientation as shown in FIG. 55. Thepocket 1610 may be elongated along the slider outer member 1342 andinclude a pocket surface 1620 engaged with the ball 1608 that permitsthe ball 1608 to shift in directions 1622 as the inner member 1340pivots relative to the outer member 1342.

The slider 1308 also includes a wedge lock 1630 for releasably securinga blade within a dovetail recess 1632 of the inner member 1340. Thewedge lock 1630 includes a wedge member 1634 pivotally mounted on a pin1636 within a recess 1640 of the inner member 1340. The wedge lock 1630further includes a fixation screw 1642 having a head 1644 for receivingan adjustment tool and a shank 1646 threadingly engaged with a nut 1648.The nut 1648 is connected to the wedge 1348 and configured to transfervertical movement of the nut 1648 along the shank 1646 into pivoting ofthe wedge 1634. For example, the nut 1648 may have a pair of pinsextending outward therefrom that are received in elongated slots of thewedge member 1634. The slots of the wedge member 1634 are configured tocammingly engage the pins of the nut 1648 and transfer linear movementof the nut 1648 into pivoting of the wedge member 1634.

To secure a blade within the dovetail recess 1632 of the inner member1340, a surgeon may rotate the fixation screw 1642 in a clockwisedirection (when viewed from above) and cause the fixation screw 1642 todraw the nut 1648 upward in direction 1650 and pivots the wedge member1634 in direction 1652. Pivoting the wedge member 1634 in direction 1652causes an outer surface 1654 of the wedge member 1634 to press againstthe blade and lock the blade within the dovetail recess 1632.Conversely, the surgeon may rotate the fixation screw 1642 in acounter-clockwise direction (when viewed from above) and cause the nut1648 to travel downwardly in direction 1660 and pivot the wedge member1634 in direction 1662 to disengage the wedge member outer surface 1654from the blade.

The slide 1308 also includes a beyond center locking mechanism 1670including a lock button 1672 having a lower end 1674 for interferingwith the retractor frame 1302 and limiting movement of the slider 1308in direction 1314 to a predetermined extended position. The beyondcenter locking mechanism 1670 further includes a pin 1676 received in arecess 1678 of the slider outer member 1342 to connect the lock button1672 to the outer member 1342. The recess 1678 is elongated and permitsthe surgeon to shift the lock button 1672 in direction 1680 to raise thebutton lower end 1674 out of interference with the frame 1302 and permitthe slider 1308 to shift further in direction 1314 toward a beyondcenter position thereof.

The components of the retractor 1300 may be made from a variety ofmaterials. As but some examples in this regard, the frame 1302 may bemade from a metallic or plastic material, such as aluminum or carbonfiber. The material of the frame 1302 may be selected such that theframe 1302 is radiolucent. The slider 1308 may be made from a metallicmaterial, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. The buttontooth 1452 may be made from a metallic material such as stainless steel.The lock latch 1462 may be made from a plastic material, such as aninstrument grade polyaryletherketone.

With reference to FIG. 56, a retractor 1800 is provided that is similarin many respects to the retractors 600, 1010, 1210, 1300 discussedabove. The retractor 1800 includes a frame 1802 extending about acentral opening 1804 and having one or more operating mechanisms 1806that connect tissue engaging members such as retractor blades 1214 tothe frame 1802. Each operating mechanism 1806 includes a slider 1810 anda slider linear drive 1812 for shifting the slider 1810 between extendedand retracted positions relative to the frame 1802. The slider lineardrive 1812 includes a tool-receiving member, such as a worm screw 1814,disposed in a bore hole 1816 of the frame 1802. Regarding FIG. 57,turning the worm screw 1814 in a clockwise direction 1820 causes theslider 1810 to retract in direction 1822. Conversely, turning the wormscrew 1814 in a counterclockwise direction 1824 causes the slider 1810to shift in direction 1826.

With reference to FIG. 57, the worm screw 1814 is engaged with a wormgear 1834 of a worm gear assembly 1836. The worm gear assembly 1836includes a rotatable drive member, such as a pinion gear 1838, that isselectively coupled to the worm gear 1834. The worm gear 1834 has ahelical tooth 1874 (see FIG. 58) that engages teeth 1870 of the wormgear 1834 (see FIG. 59). The worm screw 1814 and the worm gear 1834 areconfigured to be self-locking to inhibit unintended rotation of the wormgear 1834 and pinion gear 1838 coupled thereto which locks the slider1810 in position relative to the frame 1802 when the surgeon is notturning the worm screw 1814.

Further, the engagement between the helical tooth 1874 and teeth 1870permits positioning of the slider 1810 that is not limited by incrementsdefined by a ratchet mechanism. The continuous helical tooth 1874 of theworm screw 1814 is always engaged with at least one of the teeth 1870 ofthe worm gear 1834 and operates as an inclined plane to drive the atleast one tooth 1870 the distance imparted by turning of the worm screw1814. In other words, the engagement between the helical tooth 1874 andteeth 1870 permits infinitely adjustable positioning of the slider 1810and tissue engaging member. A user can thereby turn the worm screw 1814to cause as large or as small of a change in position of the slider 1810as desired. Because the slider 1810 is not limited to shifting inincrements dictated by a ratchet mechanism, the retractor 1800 providesenhanced flexibility in positioning the sliders 1810 with respect to theanatomy of a patient.

With reference to FIG. 57, each operating mechanism 1806 includes aclutch 1830 having a release mode wherein the clutch 1830 decouples theworm gear 1834 from the pinion gear 1838. The clutch 1830 is similar tothe clutch discussed above that includes the cam surface 1418 of thepinion 1330 and the cam surface 1434 of the drive cap 1346. Turning thedrive cap 1346 in reverse direction 1351 reconfigures the clutch to arelease mode, causes the surfaces 1418, 1434 to cammingly engage, andshifts the pinion 1330 away from the drive cap 1346. The drive cap 1346can thereby turn in reverse direction 1351 relative to the pinion 1330.Likewise, when the clutch 1830 is in the release mode, the pinion gear1838 can turn relative to the worm gear 1834 which permits the slider1810 to be shifted by a user in direction 1822 or direction 1826 withoutresistance from the meshed worm screw 1814 and worm gear 1834. Theclutch 1830 also includes a drive mode wherein the clutch 1830 couplesthe worm gear 1834 and the pinion gear 1838. With the clutch 1830 in thedrive mode, turning of the worm screw 1814 in directions 1820, 1824causes turning of the worm gear 1834 and pinion 1838 coupled therewithand associated shifting of the slider 1810 in directions 1822, 1826.

Regarding FIG. 57, the slider 1810 has a base, such as outer member1842, and an arm, such as inner member 1844, pivotally coupled to theouter member 1842 by a pivot pin 1846. The outer member 1842 includes arack 1850 having teeth 1852 that are meshed with teeth 1854 of thepinion gear 1838. Thus, when the clutch 1830 is in the drive mode,rotating the worm screw 1818 in direction 1820 causes rotation of thepinion gear 1838 in direction 1840 which shifts the slider outer member1842 in direction 1822. Conversely, turning the worm screw 1818 indirection 1824 causes rotation of the pinion gear 1838 in direction 1860which shifts the slider outer member 1842 in direction 1826. Thus, theworm screw 1814 is turned to shift the slider 1810 in either theretracting direction 1822 or the release direction 1826.

With reference to FIGS. 58 and 59, the teeth 1870 of the worm gear 1834and the helical tooth 1874 of the worm screw 1814 are configured to beself-locking. In other words, the frictional engagement between one ormore of the teeth 1870 and the helical tooth 1874 is sufficiently highto resist turning of the worm gear 1834 due to force imparted on atissue engagement member supported by the slider 1810. Thus, once theuser has driven the worm screw 1814 to position the slider 1810 in thedesired position, the slider 1810 is locked in position and cannot shiftin either direction 1822, 1826 until the surgeon decides to again drivethe worm screw 1814 in direction 1820 or 1824 or reconfigures the clutch1830 from the drive mode to the release mode.

With reference to FIG. 59, the teeth 1870 have each have a threadprofile with a generally involute gear shape and the helical tooth 1874has a trapezoidal thread profile. The self-locking operation of the wormscrew 1814 and the worm gear 1834 are provided at least in part bysurfaces 1890, 1892 of each of the teeth 1870 and surfaces 1894, 1896 ofthe helical tooth 1874. For example, once the slider 1810 has beenretracted to a desired position, the retracted tissue may urge theslider 1810 in direction 1826 (see FIG. 57). This urges the tooth 1870in direction 1860 (see FIG. 59) and presses the surface 1892 of the wormgear tooth 1870 against the upper surface 1894 of the helical tooth1874. The engagement between the surfaces 1892, 1894 resists turning ofthe worm gear 1834 in direction 1860. Because the worm gear 1834 doesnot turn in direction 1860, and the clutch 1830 is in the drive mode,the pinion gear 1838 does not turn in direction 1860 and the slider 1810does not shift in direction 1826 despite the loading from the retractedtissue.

As another example, once the slider 1810 has been retracted to a desiredposition, if an instrument contacts the tissue engaging member and urgesthe slider 1810 in direction 1822, the pinion 1838 will be urged indirection 1840 which would bring the surface 1890 (see FIG. 59) intoengagement with the surface 1896 of the helical tooth 1874. Theengagement between the surfaces 1890, 1896 inhibits turning of the wormgear 1834 in direction 1840. Because the worm gear 1834 does not turn indirection 1840, and the clutch 1830 is in drive mode, the pinion gear1838 does not turn in direction 1840 and the slider 1810 does not shiftin direction 1822 despite the contact with the instrument.

Regarding FIG. 59, the worm screw 1814 includes a worm portion 1872including the helical tool 1874, a head 2000, and a shank 2002. The head2000 includes a tool-engaging portion, such as a socket 2004, configuredto receive a hexalobular driver to turn the worm screw 1814. The wormscrew 1814 is captured in the bore hole 1816 (see FIG. 56) of the frame1802 by a c-ring positioned above a flange 2006 of the worm screw 1814The worm screw 1814 is rotatable about an axis 2008 and is subjected toloading parallel and transverse to the axis 2008 due to engagement withthe worm gear 1834. In one embodiment, thrust bearings 2010, 2012support the worm screw 1814 in the bore hole 1816 and permit the wormscrew 1814 to turn with limited resistance from the frame 1802.

With reference to FIGS. 56 and 58, the clutch 1830 is operable todisengage the pinion gear 1838 from the worm gear 1834. In oneembodiment, the clutch 1830 is a component of the worm gear assembly1836 and turns with turning of the worm screw 1814. More specifically,the clutch 1830 includes a button 2020 that is pressed in direction 2022to decouple the worm gear 1834 from the pinion gear 1838 and reconfigurethe clutch 1830 from the drive mode to the release mode. When the clutch1830 is in the release mode, the pinion gear 1838 may turn relative tothe worm gear 1834. Because the pinion gear 1838 may turn relative tothe worm gear 1834, the slider 1810 may be shifted in directions 1826,1822 to a desired position without resistance from the intermeshed wormgear 1834 and the worm screw 1814. The surgeon may shift the slider 1810by hand in directions 1826, 1822 or by utilizing an instrument when theclutch 1830 is in the release mode.

With reference to FIG. 60, the clutch 1830 includes a release shaft 2030to which the button 2020 is mounted, such as via a threaded connectiontherebetween. The release shaft 2030 has a collar 2032, a cylindricalportion 2034, a neck portion 2036, and a head portion 2038. The clutch1830 includes a spring 2040, a spring seat washer 2042, and a retainingring 2044. The head 2038 of the release shaft 2030 engages at least onecoupling member, such as ball bearings 2048. The ball bearings 2048 arereceived in openings 2050 of the pinion gear 1838 and may extend intopockets 2102 of the worm gear 1834.

The ball bearings 2048 are shiftable radially between a radially outwardposition wherein the ball bearings 2048 extend into the worm gearpockets 2102 and couple the pinion 1838 to the worm gear 1834 and aradially inward position where the ball bearings 2048 are spaced fromthe worm gear 2034 and decouple the pinion gear 1838 from the worm gear1834. To reconfigure the clutch 1830 from the drive mode to the releasemode, the user presses the button 2020 in direction 2022 (see FIG. 61B)which shifts the release shaft 2030 in direction 2022 to position theneck portion 2036 in alignment with the ball bearings 2048 therebypermitting the ball bearings 2048 to shift radially inward as discussedin greater detail below. A snap ring 2037 (see FIG. 60) may be providedto capture the worm gear assembly 1836 within a bore hole 1839 (see FIG.56) of the frame 1802.

With reference to FIG. 61A, the release shaft 2030 is shown in a driveposition thereof. The worm gear 1834 includes a bore 2080 that receivesthe cylindrical portion 2034 of the release shaft 2030 and the spring2040 extending thereabout. The worm gear 1834 includes a wall 2082extending about the bore 2080 that includes a groove 2084 which receivesthe retaining ring 2044. The spring 2040 is captured between the collar2032 of the release shaft 2030 and the spring seat washer 2042. Thus,pressing the button 2020 in direction 2022 shifts the release shaft 2030in direction 2022 and brings the collar 2032 closer to the spring seatwasher 2042 which compresses the spring 2040. The button 2020 is pressedto shift the release shaft 2030 in direction 2022 until the releaseshaft 2030 reaches a release position thereof which radially aligns theneck portion 2036 of the release shaft 2030 with the ball bearings 2048.The neck portion 2036 permits the ball bearings 2048 to shift radiallyinward which decouples the worm gear 1834 from the pinion gear 1838.When the user releases the button 2020, the spring 2040 urges therelease shaft 2030 back in direction 2090 to the drive position thereofwherein the head portion 2038 of the release shaft 2030 is radiallyaligned with the ball bearings 2048. The spring 2040 therebyautomatically returns the clutch 1830 to the drive mode once the userreleases the button 2020.

Regarding FIGS. 60 and 61A, the worm gear 1834 includes a sleeve portion2091 extending about an annular wall 2093 of the pinion 1834. Theannular wall 2093 has the through openings 2050 extending therethrough.The sleeve portion 2091 of the worm gear 1834 has pockets 2102 spacedthereabout. The pockets 2102 include openings 2103 sized to permit aportion of the ball bearings 2048 to extend into the pockets 2102.

With reference to FIGS. 61A and 62A, the release shaft 2030 is shown inthe drive position and the head portion 2038 radially aligned with theball bearings 2048. The head portion 2038 of the release shaft 2030 hasa diameter 2092 that is larger than a diameter 2094 of the neck portion2036. The larger diameter 2092 of the head portion 2038 keeps the ballbearings 2048 extending into the pockets 2102 of the worm gear 1834 andinhibits the ball bearings 2048 from shifting radially inward. When thesmaller diameter 2094 of the neck portion 2036 is aligned with the ballbearings 2048, the clearance between the neck portion 2036 and the ballbearings 2048 permits the ball bearings 2048 to shift radially inwardand out of the pockets 2102 of the worm gear 1834.

With reference to FIGS. 61B and 62B, the release shaft 2030 is shown inthe release position and the neck portion 2036 is radially aligned withthe ball bearings 2048. When the pinion 1838 is urged in one of thedirections 1840, 1860, such as by a user manually shifting the slider1810 in direction 1822 or direction 1826, the pinion gear 1838 will turnand curved surfaces 2100 of the worm gear pockets 2102 cam the ballbearings 2048 radially inward in direction 2104.

Once the surgeon has moved the slider 1810 to the desired position andhas released the button 2020, the spring 2040 urges the release shaft2030 in direction 2090 to bring the head portion 2038 of the releaseshaft 2030 into the release position. With reference to FIG. 61A, therelease shaft 2030 has a cam surface 2093 that is configured to engageand shift the ball bearings 2048 radially outward in direction 2112 asthe spring 2040 returns the release shaft 2030 to the drive positionthereof. Once the release shaft 2030 is in the drive position, the headportion 2038 keeps the ball bearings 2048 from shifting radially inwardin direction 2104.

As shown in FIG. 62A, the ball bearings 2048 extend in the pockets 2102of the worm gear 1834 and the through openings 2050 of the pinion 1838.The ball bearings 2048 are therefore subjected to shearing forces fromthe worm gear 1834 and the pinion gear 1838 as the ball bearings 2048lock the worm gear 1834 and pinion gear 1838 together. The ball bearings2048 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, toresist the sheer loading applied to the ball bearings 2048. The wormscrew 1814, worm gear 1834, pinion gear 1838, spring 2040, and releaseshaft 2030 may also be made of one or more metallic materials, such asstainless steel, and/or high-strength plastic materials.

With reference to FIG. 63, a retractor 2200 is provided that is similarin many respects to the retractors discussed above. The retractor 2200includes a frame 2202 extending about a central opening 2204 and havingoperating mechanisms 2206 for connecting tissue engaging members to theframe 2202. The operating mechanisms 2206 each include a slider 2208 anda slider linear drive 2210 for shifting the slider 2208 in directions2212, 2214. The retractor 2200 also includes a clutch 2216 associatedwith the slider linear drive 2210. The slider linear drive 2210 and theclutch 2216 are similar to the slider linear drive 1812 and clutch 1830discussed above.

Regarding FIG. 64, the sliders 2208 may be made of a carbon fibermaterial which is radiolucent and provides less obstructed x-ray imagingof a surgical site during a surgical procedure. Each slider 2208includes an arm, such as an inner member 2220, and a base, such as anouter member 2222, that are pivotally connected by a pivot pin 2224.

With reference to FIGS. 65 and 66, the outer member 2222 has anupstanding wall 2226 that has a hole 2228 which receives the pivot pin2224. The inner member 2220 includes a pocket 2230 that receives thewall 2226. The pocket 2230 has walls 2232 on opposite sides of the wall2226 therebetween and guide the inner member 2220 as it pivots relativeto the outer member 2222. Further, the outer member 2222 may haveperipheral walls 2240 that further guide the inner member 2220 as theinner member 2220 pivots relative to the outer member 2222. Because theinner member 2220 and the outer member 2222 may be made of carbon fiber,the walls 2226, 2240, and 2232 are sized to provide sufficient rigidityto the material of the inner member 2220 and the outer member 2222 toresist fracture of the carbon fiber material.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, andcombinations, are to be viewed as being within the scope of theinvention.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A retractor for enlarging an incision, the retractorcomprising: a frame; a plurality of tissue engaging members for beinginserted into an incision; a plurality of sliders configured to connectthe tissue engaging members to the frame, each slider being shiftablebetween an extended position and a retracted position; a pinion and arack associated with one of the sliders, the pinion engaged with therack and rotatable in a retracting direction to cause the one slider toshift toward the retracted position and an extending direction to causethe one slider to shift toward the extended position; a worm gearconnected to the pinion; and a worm screw engaged with the worm gear androtatable in a first direction to cause the worm gear to rotate alongwith the pinion in the retracting direction, the worm screw beingrotatable in an opposite, second direction to cause the worm gear torotate the pinion in the extending direction.
 11. The retractor of claim10 wherein the worm gear and worm screw are configured to beself-locking to inhibit unintended rotation of the pinion gear and lockthe one slider in position relative to the frame.
 12. The retractor ofclaim 10 wherein the worm gear is rotatable about a first axis and theworm screw is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the firstaxis.
 13. The retractor of claim 10 wherein the sliders include a secondslider, the retractor further comprising: a second pinion and a secondrack associated with the second slider; a second worm gear operablycoupled to the second pinion; and a second worm screw engaged with thesecond worm gear and rotatable in a third direction to rotate the secondworm gear along with the pinion in a second retracting directiontransverse to the retracting direction of the one slider, the secondworm screw being rotatable in an opposite, fourth direction to rotatethe second worm gear along with the second pinion in a second extendingdirection transverse to the extending direction of the one slider. 14.The retractor of claim 10 wherein the one slider includes a slider bodyslidably connected to the frame and a support pivotally connected to theslider body, the support having a tissue engaging member portionconfigured to be connected to one of the tissue engaging members. 15.The retractor of claim 10 wherein the one slider includes: a pivotalsupport having a tissue engaging member portion for being connected toone of the tissue engaging members and an actuator portion spaced fromthe tissue engaging member portion; and a rotatable actuator connectedto the actuator portion of the support and having a tool-receivingportion configured to receive a separate tool for rotating the actuatorand causing the support and the one tissue engaging member connectedthereto to pivot relative to the frame.
 16. The retractor of claim 15wherein the pivotal support is pivotal about a pivot axis intermediatethe tissue engaging member and the actuator portion along the support.17. The retractor of claim 16 wherein the pivot axis is closer to thetissue engaging member portion than the actuator portion along thesupport.
 18. The retractor of claim 17 wherein the one slider includes aslider body slidably connected to the frame and the support is pivotallyconnected to the slider body.
 19. The retractor of claim 18 wherein therotatable actuator and the slider body include a ball and socket thatpermits the rotatable actuator to pivot relative to the slider body withpivoting of the support and the tissue engaging member connectedthereto.
 20. A retractor for enlarging an incision, the retractorcomprising: a frame; a plurality of tissue engaging members for beinginserted into an incision; a plurality of operating mechanisms forconnecting the tissue engaging members to the frame and being operableto move the tissue engaging members apart to enlarge the incision; aslider of one of the operating mechanisms for being connected to one ofthe tissue engaging members, the slider being slidably connected to theframe and shiftable between extended and retracted positions; a lockingmechanism of the slider reconfigurable between unlocked and lockedconfigurations to secure the tissue engaging member to the slider; alocking member of the locking mechanism; and a rotatable actuator of thelocking mechanism operably coupled to the locking member, the actuatorbeing rotatable in a locking direction to reconfigure the lockingmechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configurationand engage the locking member with the tissue engaging member to fix thetissue engaging member to the slider; and the actuator being rotatablein an opposite, unlocking direction to reconfigure the locking mechanismfrom the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration and allowthe locking member to shift away from the tissue engaging member whichpermits the tissue engaging member to be disconnected from the slider.21. The retractor of claim 20 wherein the slider and the one tissueengaging member have a slide connection therebetween; and wherein thelocking member is operable to apply a locking force to press surfaces ofthe slide connection together with the locking mechanism in the lockedconfiguration and the locking member is operable to release the lockingforce allowing the surfaces to slide relative to each other with thelocking mechanism in the unlocked configuration.
 22. The retractor ofclaim 20 wherein the actuator includes a threaded shaft and the lockingmechanism includes a nut threadingly engaged with the actuator threadedshaft, the nut configured to shift along the actuator threaded shaftwith rotation of the actuator in the locking direction and urge thelocking member against the tissue engaging member.
 23. The retractor ofclaim 22 wherein the locking member is pivotal and the nut and lockingmember have cooperating portions configured to transfer linear movementof the nut along the actuator into pivoting of the locking member. 24.The retractor of claim 20 wherein the slider includes a support having atissue engaging member portion for being connected to the tissueengaging member; wherein the locking member is pivotally mounted to thesupport; and wherein rotating the actuator in the locking directionpivots the locking member toward the tissue engaging member and rotatingthe actuator in the unlocking direction pivots the locking member awayfrom the tissue engaging member.
 25. The retractor of claim 20 whereinthe slider has a recess and the actuator is rotatably captured in therecess.
 26. The retractor of claim 20 wherein the actuator includes arotary drive structure configured to engage and be driven by a separatetool.